Holiday greetings from the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department. The following is the monthly update for December 2002. We hope you find the information useful. You are encouraged to continue to visit our Web site at {LAPDOnline.org }www.lapdonline.org as it has grown to over 10,000 pages since its inception in 1998. EXPLORER ACADEMY GRADUATION The Los Angeles Police Explorer program educates and involves youth, ages 14 * 21, in police operations, broadening their understanding of the challenges, skills and responsibilities associated with police work. During their 12- week Academy, Explorers take classes in report writing, ethics, radio communications, criminal justice, desk procedures, human relations and physical training. The 79th Law Enforcement Explorer Academy Graduation Ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Police Academy gymnasium on Saturday, December 14, 2002, with approximately 90 Explorer recruits graduating after completing over 96 hours of training. This event marking the 40th anniversary of the LAPD Explorer program begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. DECEMBER SAFETY TIPS * HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The Los Angeles Police Department wants everyone to have a secure and happy holiday season by taking a minute from the rush to read and apply the following Holiday Crime Prevention measures. To further lessen the chances of becoming a victim during the holiday season, the following should be stressed: * Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. * Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. * Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates unnecessary temptation for thieves. * When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings. * Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. * Keep cash and wallets in your front pocket. * Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help if they become lost or separated. For additional information or to obtain a copy of crime prevention circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit, at (213) 485-3134, or visit our Web site at www.lapdonline.org and open the "Crime Prevention Tips" icon. On behalf of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, may you have a happy holiday season filled with family and friends. We look forward to serving you in the year 2003. WILLIAM J. BRATTON Chief of Police To unsubscribe from this newsletter please click on this link http://listserv.lacity.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=lapd_monthly&A=1